NJ Divided Senate approves bill allowing paid time off for family care

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-13/120763010396390.xml&coll=1

Tuesday, April 08, 2008
BY SUSAN K. LIVIO
Star-Ledger Staff

An arduous 12-year legislative battle ended yesterday when the Senate approved a bill that grants six weeks of leave at reduced pay to workers who stay home to care for a new child or sick relative.

Once Gov. Jon Corzine signs the bill -- which he has promised to do -- New Jersey would become the third state in the country to pass a paid family leave law.

"This bill signifies a new day for the state's work force in that the needs of families will be put before the needs of business owners," Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said after the bill he sponsored passed 21-15.

Sweeney, a business representative for an ironworkers' union, said he took time off after his daughter Lauren, now 14, was born with Down's syndrome. Weighing just 2 pounds, Lauren spent 75 days in the hospital's neonatal unit.

"Parenting is the most important job that many of us will undertake," Sweeney said. "And this legislation would allow New Jersey to remain in the forefront of providing necessary benefits to its hard-working residents."

FULL story at link.